Henkel's Shanghai Packaging Facility Receives EU-Recognized Recyclability Testing Accreditation

Henkel has expanded its packaging compliance infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region with its Packaging Recyclab facility in Shanghai passing the official audit of the cyclos-HTP Institute (CHI). The accreditation authorizes the site to conduct EU paper packaging recyclability testing and issue EU-recognized external test assessment reports for regional customers.

The facility joins Henkel's global Packaging Recyclab network, which includes a similar laboratory in Düsseldorf, Germany. Integrated into the global Inspiration Center experience, the Shanghai laboratory enables packaging manufacturers, converters, and brand owners to test and optimize packaging solutions from initial concept development through to recyclability assessments.

With the new accreditation, the Shanghai facility applies two recognized European paper packaging recyclability test protocols: CEPI/4evergreen and CHI. This allows Asia-Pacific exporters to test and assess their packaging to EU standards locally, eliminating the need to ship physical samples to Europe. According to the company, this localized approach reduces development timelines and provides earlier clarity for market access planning.

The testing capability directly supports compliance with the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The regulation sets strict requirements covering packaging design, recyclability performance, recycled content, hazardous substance limits, and reuse criteria, alongside reinforced Extended Producer Responsibility obligations for goods entering the EU market.

Asia-Pacific remains an essential supplier across global electronics, consumer goods, food, and light industry sectors. Previously, regional companies largely depended on European laboratories for recognized paper packaging recyclability testing. The Shanghai facility addresses this gap by offering localized access to internationally aligned testing capabilities.

"PPWR will reshape the competitive landscape of the packaging industry," said Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Vice President of Packaging Adhesives at Henkel Asia Pacific. He noted that the accreditation brings Europe's assessment capabilities closer to regional customers, helping local businesses meet global market entry requirements.

The facility enables a unified workflow spanning design, testing, assessment, and optimization. Rather than relying on post-production checks, customers can collaborate with Henkel experts early in the development phase to evaluate how materials, coatings, adhesives, and structural designs perform in real recycling processes.

"Given the enormous export volume of China and Asia-Pacific, addressing these challenges is not optional; it is imperative," stated Yanjie Zheng, Sustainability Manager for Packaging Adhesives at Henkel Asia Pacific. She added that the facility provides an integrated, end-to-end solution covering the packaging lifecycle.

Currently, the Shanghai laboratory focuses primarily on paper packaging, with preparatory work underway to introduce plastic packaging recyclability assessments. Over time, the site plans to broaden its testing scope to cover additional export packaging categories.

Henkel, a global supplier of industrial adhesives, sealants, and coatings under business units such as Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands, reported fiscal 2025 sales of approximately 20.5 billion euros. The company employs roughly 50,000 people worldwide.

"As regulatory frameworks like the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation become stricter, export-heavy regions like Asia-Pacific face mounting compliance pressures. Henkel's decision to localize EU-recognized recyclability testing in Shanghai is a strategic operational move. By cutting down sample transit times and accelerating local testing, businesses can streamline product development cycles and minimize market entry barriers. For exporters, integrating compliance and sustainable design early in the manufacturing process is no longer optional—it is a core business necessity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes